Tubing everting apparatus, assemblies, and methods

ABSTRACT

Tubing everting apparatus, assemblies, and methods are disclosed herein. The tubing everting apparatus include a pressure chamber that defines an internal volume, a liner inlet port that is configured to receive a flexible tube liner into the internal volume, an inlet sealing structure that is configured to resist fluid flow therepast from the pressure chamber, and a liner outlet port that is configured to permit the flexible tube liner to extend from the internal volume. In some embodiments, the apparatus include a lubricator that is configured to apply a lubricant to the flexible tube liner. In some embodiments, the apparatus include a non-deflation valve that is configured to selectively transition between open and closed states. The assemblies include the apparatus and a cart that includes a lubricant reservoir. The methods include methods of operating the apparatus.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/128,107, which was filed on Mar. 4, 2015, and the completedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to tubing everting apparatus,assemblies, and methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A tubing everting apparatus may be utilized to line an existing tubular,such as a pipe, a drain pipe, and/or a sewer pipe, with a flexible tubeliner. The flexible tube liner subsequently may be cured in place withinthe existing tubular to at least substantially fix a conformation of theflexible tube liner and/or to resist subsequent deformation of theflexible tube liner. Such a process may be utilized to repair and/orrehabilitate existing tubulars that may be broken, cracked, and/ordamaged, thereby decreasing and/or eliminating fluid leakage and/orinfiltration from the existing tubular. Additionally or alternatively,such a process also may be utilized to line the existing tubular with aflexible tube liner that is chemically resistant to a fluid that may beflowed within the existing tubular, thereby permitting the existingtubular to convey a fluid that otherwise may be damaging and/orcorrosive to a material of construction of the existing tubular.

Conventional tubing everting apparatus often utilize compressed airand/or pressurized water to evert the flexible tube liner within theexisting tubular. During the eversion process, a frictional forceexperienced by the flexible tube liner may be significant, and it may bedesirable to lubricate the flexible tube liner to decrease thisfrictional force. However, conventional tubing everting apparatusgenerally do not include a provision for convenient and/or automatedlubrication of the flexible tube liner during the eversion process. Inaddition, it also may be desirable to regulate and/or restrict loss ofcompressed air and/or of pressurized water during the eversion process.However conventional tubing everting apparatus generally do not includea provision to regulate and/or restrict this loss, especially after atail end of the flexible tube liner has been conveyed through theconventional tubing everting apparatus. Furthermore, it often may bedesirable to quickly and/or easily transport a tubing everting apparatusfrom one job site to the next and/or from one location to the nextwithin a given job site. However, conventional tubing everting apparatusoften are not easily transportable and/or may require a significantamount of disassembly prior to transport and subsequent reassembly aftertransport. Thus there exists a need for improved tubing evertingapparatus, for assemblies that include the improved tubing evertingapparatus, and/or for methods of operating the improved tubing evertingapparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Tubing everting apparatus, assemblies, and methods are disclosed herein.The tubing everting apparatus include a pressure chamber that defines aninternal volume and is configured to be pressurized, by a pressurizingfluid stream, to provide a motive force for eversion of a flexible tubeliner. The apparatus also include a liner inlet port that is associatedwith a first side of the pressure chamber and configured to receive aflexible tube liner into the internal volume. The apparatus furtherinclude an inlet sealing structure that is associated with the linerinlet port and configured to resist fluid flow therepast and from thepressure chamber. The apparatus also include a liner outlet port that isassociated with a second side of the pressure chamber and configured topermit the flexible tube liner to extend from the internal volume.

In some embodiments, the apparatus include a lubricator that isconfigured to apply a lubricant to the flexible tube liner. In theseembodiments, the lubricator may be operatively attached to the pressurechamber and may apply the lubricant to decrease a frictional force onthe flexible tube liner during eversion of the flexible tube liner.

In some embodiments, the apparatus include a non-deflation valve that isspaced-apart from the inlet sealing structure. The non-deflation valveis configured to selectively transition between an open state, in whichthe non-deflation valve permits the flexible tube liner to pass throughthe liner inlet port, and a closed state, in which the non-deflationvalve restricts fluid flow of the pressurizing fluid stream from thepressure chamber, via the liner inlet port, when the pressure chamber ispressurized by the pressurizing fluid stream and a tail end of theflexible tube liner has passed through the liner inlet port.

The assemblies include the apparatus and a cart. The cart includes acart body, at least two wheels that are rotatingly coupled to the cartbody, a base that is configured to support the cart, and a lubricantreservoir. The lubricant reservoir is configured to contain a lubricantand to provide the lubricant to the apparatus as a pressurized lubricantstream, which also may be referred to herein as an adjustable pressurelubricant stream.

The methods include extending a leading end of a flexible tube linerthrough a liner inlet port of a pressure chamber of a tubing evertingapparatus, through an internal volume of the pressure chamber, andthrough a liner outlet port of the pressure chamber. The methods furtherinclude forming an at least partial fluid seal between an inlet sealingstructure and a portion of the flexible tube liner that extends throughthe inlet sealing structure. The methods also include operativelyattaching the leading end of the flexible tube liner to a linerattachment point of the apparatus and forming an at least partial fluidseal between the leading end of the flexible tube liner and the linerattachment point. The methods further include lubricating the flexibletube liner with a lubricator and pressurizing the pressure chamber witha pressurizing fluid stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of examples of a tubing evertingapparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a less schematic front view of a tubing everting apparatusaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a less schematic rear view of a tubing everting apparatusaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a less schematic side view of a tubing everting apparatusaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a less schematic cross-sectional view of the tubing evertingapparatus of FIG. 2 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a lubricant shield that may be included inand/or utilized with a tubing everting apparatus according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a less schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a tubingeverting apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a non-deflation valve, which may be included inand/or utilized with a tubing everting apparatus according to thepresent disclosure, illustrated in an open state.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the non-deflation valve of FIG. 8 illustrated ina closed, or at least partially closed, state.

FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a cart, according to thepresent disclosure, in an upright orientation.

FIG. 11 is a less schematic front view of a cart according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a less schematic rear view of a cart according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a less schematic side view of a cart according to the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of a tubing everting assembly accordingto the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a less schematic side view of a tubing everting assemblyaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting methods of operating a tubing evertingapparatus, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIGS. 1-16 provide examples of tubing everting apparatus 100, accordingto the present disclosure, of carts 150, according to the presentdisclosure, of tubing everting assemblies 80 that include tubingeverting apparatus 100 and/or carts 150, and/or of methods 800 ofoperating tubing everting assemblies 80 and/or tubing everting apparatus100. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar,purpose are labeled with like numbers in each of FIGS. 1-16, and theseelements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each ofFIGS. 1-16. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each of FIGS.1-16, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized hereinfor consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that arediscussed herein with reference to one or more of FIGS. 1-16 may beincluded in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-16 without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. In general, elements that arelikely to be included in a particular embodiment are illustrated insolid lines, while elements that are optional are illustrated in dashedlines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines may not beessential and, in some embodiments, may be omitted without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1-9 are examples of tubing everting apparatus 100, according tothe present disclosure, and/or of components thereof. Tubing evertingapparatus 100 also may be referred to herein as everting apparatus 100and/or as apparatus 100, and it may form a portion of a tubing evertingassembly 80, as discussed in more detail herein.

As illustrated in solid lines in FIGS. 1-5, apparatus 100 includes apressure chamber 200 that defines an internal volume 206. As illustratedin FIG. 1, pressure chamber 200 is configured to be pressurized by apressurizing fluid stream 252, such as a pressurizing air stream from acompressor and/or a pressurizing water stream from a pump, to provide amotive force for eversion of a flexible tube liner 90. Apparatus 100further includes a liner inlet port 210, which is associated with afirst side 201 of the pressure chamber and is designed, adapted,configured, sized, and/or shaped to receive flexible tube liner 90 intointernal volume 206. First side 201 also may be referred to herein as atop side 201, an upper side 201, and/or an inlet side 201.

Flexible tube liners 90 may be available in a variety of shapes, sizes,configurations, and/or with a variety of materials of construction, suchas to permit the flexible tube liners to line existing tubulars ofvarying cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional area, and/orcross-sectional diameter and/or to permit the flexible tube liners tocarry fluids of varying chemical composition. As such, apparatus 100 maybe adjustable and/or may be configured to be adjusted to accommodate arange of different flexible tube liners 90. As examples, apparatus 100may be configured to be adjusted to accommodate flexible tube liners 90with an installed diameter of, an effective diameter of, or that aresized to line a tube with an inside diameter of, at least 10 centimeters(cm), at least 15 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 25 cm, at least 30 cm atleast 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 50 cm, or at least 60 cm.Additionally or alternatively, apparatus 100 also may be configured tobe adjusted to accommodate flexible tube liners 90 with an installeddiameter of, or that are sized to line a tube with an inside diameterof, at most 100 cm, at most 90 cm, at most 80 cm, at most 70 cm, at most60 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 40 cm, or at most 30 cm.

Apparatus 100 also includes an inlet sealing structure 220, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and 7. Inlet sealing structure 220 is designed,adapted, configured, sized, and/or shaped to resist fluid flow therepastfrom internal volume 206 of pressure chamber 200, at least when flexibletube liner 90 extends through the inlet sealing structure. In addition,inlet sealing structure 220 may be configured to be adjusted toaccommodate the range of different sizes and types of flexible tubeliners 90.

Inlet sealing structure 220 may include one or more sealing lips 222. Asperhaps best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, sealing lips 222 may beconfigured to press against flexible tube liner 90 and/or to form an atleast partial fluid seal with flexible tube liner 90. In addition,sealing lips 222 may be configured to maintain the at least partialfluid seal as long as flexible tube liner 90 is in contact therewithand/or despite motion, such as sliding motion, of flexible tube liner 90through and/or past sealing lips 222. Sealing lips 222 may be adjustableto accommodate the range of different flexible tube liners. Additionallyor alternatively, sealing lips 222 may be configured to be replaced.

Apparatus 100 further includes a liner outlet port 230, which isassociated with a second side 202 of pressure chamber 200. Liner outletport 230 is designed, adapted, configured, sized, and/or shaped topermit flexible tube liner 90 to exit and/or to extend from internalvolume 206 of pressure chamber 200. Second side 202 also may be referredto herein as a bottom side 202, a lower side 202, and/or an outlet side202 of pressure chamber 200.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS. 2-5and 7, apparatus 100 further may include a lubricator 300, which may beoperatively attached to and/or may form a portion of pressure chamber200. As illustrated in FIG. 1, lubricator 300 may be configured to applya lubricant 312 to flexible tube liner 90, such as to produce and/orgenerate a lubricated flexible tube liner 91. Lubricant 312 may decreasea frictional force exerted on and/or experienced by the flexible tubeliner during eversion of the flexible tube liner by apparatus 100. Anysuitable lubricant may be used, with the composition, viscosity, etc.being selected based on such factors as the size of the liner, the linercomposition, the size of pipe to be lined, the length of pipe to belined, the expected fluid to flow within the everted flexible tubeliner, etc. As examples, lubricant 312 may include one or more of anoil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, a surfactant, an aqueoussurfactant solution, a soap, and soapy water.

Lubricator 300 may include any suitable type and number of structuresthat may be adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed to applythe lubricant to the flexible tube liner and/or to an external surface92 of the flexible tube liner. As an example, lubricator 100 may includeat least one atomizer 330. Atomizer 330 may be configured to atomizelubricant 312 prior to, to permit, and/or to facilitate application ofthe lubricant to the flexible tube liner. As illustrated in FIG. 1,atomizer 330 may include a lubricant inlet 332 and a pressurized airinlet 334. Lubricant inlet 332 may be configured to receive a lubricantstream 310 that includes lubricant 312. Similarly, pressurized air inlet334 may be configured to receive a pressurized air stream 320 thatincludes pressurized air 322. Atomizer 330 further may be configured toatomize the lubricant stream with, or within, the pressurized air streamto generate an atomized lubricant stream 336. The atomized lubricantstream may be directed toward and/or may be applied to the flexible tubeliner within lubricator 300.

As another example, lubricator 300 additionally or alternatively mayinclude at least one ejector-jet pump 340. The ejector-jet pump mayinclude lubricant inlet 332 and pressurized air inlet 334. The lubricantinlet may be configured to receive lubricant stream 310, and thepressurized air inlet may be configured to receive pressurized airstream 320. The ejector-jet pump further may be configured to entrainthe lubricant within the pressurized air stream to generate an entrainedlubricant stream 338, which may be applied to flexible tube liner 90.

When lubricator 300 includes an atomizer 330, ejector-jet pump 340, or asimilar device for applying lubricant 312 on the flexible tube liner 90,more than one such applicator may be utilized, such as to increase theamount of applied lubricant 312 and/or the percentage of externalsurface 92 of the flexible tube liner to which lubricant 312 is applied.As one example, and as illustrated by FIGS. 2-5 and 7, at least a pairof generally opposed applicators has proven effective to lubricate aflexible tube liner 90 that is drawn between the applicators during theeversion process. As yet another example, and as illustrated in FIG. 1,lubricator 300 may include one or more nozzles 350. Nozzles 350 may beconfigured to direct and/or apply one or more lubricant streams 310 toflexible tube liner 90.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5 and 7, lubricator 300 may be configured toapply the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior to the flexibletube liner being received within internal volume 206 of pressure chamber200 and/or prior to the flexible tube liner passing through liner inletport 210. Additionally or alternatively, and as also illustrated in FIG.1, lubricator 300 may be configured to apply the lubricant to theflexible tube liner prior to the flexible tube liner passing throughinlet sealing structure 220. However, these configurations are notrequired. As an example, lubricator 300 may be located within and/or maybe internal to pressure chamber 200. In such an embodiment, lubricator300 may be configured to apply the lubricant to the flexible tube linerafter the flexible tube liner passes through liner inlet port 210 and/orinlet sealing structure 220, and/or after the flexible tube liner enterspressure chamber 200.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that, during eversionof flexible tube liner 90 by apparatus 100, lubricator 300 (or alubricant emission point thereof, such as nozzles 350) may be spacedapart from flexible tube liner 90 by at least a threshold spraydistance. Examples of the threshold spray distance include thresholdspray distances of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least4 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 8 cm, and/or at least 10 cm. Additionalexamples of the threshold spray distance include threshold spraydistances of less than 20 cm, less than 18 cm, less than 16 cm, lessthan 14 cm, less than 12 cm, and/or less than 10 cm.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1, apparatus 100 further mayinclude and/or be in fluid communication with a lubricant source 314. Asdiscussed in more detail herein, lubricant source 314 optionally may bea lubricant reservoir in a cart that supports and transports tubingeverting apparatus 100. Lubricant source 314 may be configured toprovide lubricant stream 310 to lubricator 300.

Additionally or alternatively, apparatus 100 also may include and/or bein fluid communication with a pressurized air source 324, such as acompressor. Pressurized air source 324 may be configured to providepressurized air stream 320 to lubricator 300. The pressurized air streamadditionally or alternatively may be utilized to propel the lubricant tothe lubricator.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS.2-6, apparatus 100 further may include a lubricant splash guard 280.Lubricant splash guard 280, when present, may be configured to limitand/or restrict flow of lubricant 312 out of apparatus 100. As perhapsbest illustrated in FIG. 6, which is a top view of apparatus 100including lubricant splash guard 280, the lubricant splash guard mayinclude a mounting frame 282 and a flexible splash guard 284. Mountingframe 282 may operatively attach the lubricant splash guard to aremainder of assembly 100, such as to an infeed assembly 500. Flexiblesplash guard 284 may include a slit 286, which may be sized to permitthe flexible tube liner 90 to pass therethrough. In some embodiments,lubricant splash guard 280 and/or a flexible splash guard 284 thereofmay be presized for use with a particular size and/or type of flexibletube liner 90. In some embodiments, flexible splash guard 284 may beconfigured to be cut, by a user, to produce a desired length for slit286 and/or to permit the user to select the size of slit 286 based upona size of flexible tube liner 90. In these embodiment, flexible splashguard 284 may be configured to be replaced, such as by the user, topermit utilization of the lubricant splash guard with another, or adifferent sized, flexible tube liner 90.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS.2-9, apparatus 100 additionally or alternatively may include anon-deflation valve 400, which may be spaced-apart and/or separate frominlet sealing structure 220. Non-deflation valve 400, when present, mayinclude and/or define an open state 404, which is perhaps illustratedmost clearly in FIGS. 5 and 7-8, and a closed state 406, which isperhaps illustrated most clearly in FIG. 9. When in open state 404,non-deflation valve 400 may be configured to permit the flexible tubeliner to pass through an aperture 408 of the non-deflation valve and/orthrough liner inlet port 210. Conversely, when in closed state 406,non-deflation valve 400 may not permit the flexible tube liner to passthrough aperture 408 and/or may restrict fluid flow through aperture408.

Stated another way, non-deflation valve 400 may be adapted, configured,designed, and/or constructed to selectively restrict fluid flow ofpressurizing fluid stream 252 from pressure chamber 200 through and/orvia liner inlet port 210 when pressure chamber 200 is pressurized by thepressurizing fluid and a tail end 96 of flexible tube liner 90, which isillustrated in FIG. 1, has passed through the liner inlet port (i.e.,when the flexible tube liner no longer extends through the liner inletport). Examples of non-deflation valve 400 include any suitable platevalve, knife valve, and/or flapper valve. As such, at least a portion ofnon-deflation valve 400 may be configured to pivot, slide, and/or deformupon transitioning between the open state and the closed state.Non-deflation valve 400 additionally or alternatively may be referred toas a non-deflation mechanism 400, a pressure-retention valve 400, and/ora pressure-retention mechanism 400.

Stated yet another way, when non-deflation valve 400 is in open state404, the non-deflation valve may have and/or define a firstcross-sectional area for fluid flow therethrough (such as across-sectional area of aperture 408 of FIG. 8). Conversely, whennon-deflation valve 400 is in closed state 406, the non-deflation valvemay have and/or define a second cross-sectional area for fluid flowtherethrough, such as may be illustrated in FIG. 9. The firstcross-sectional area may be greater than the second cross-sectionalarea.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that non-deflationvalve 400 may include and/or be a manually actuated non-deflation valve400. Under these conditions, a user may selectively actuate (or close)the manually actuated non-deflation valve subsequent to the tail end ofthe flexible tube liner passing through the liner inlet port. As anexample, and when the non-deflation valve includes the plate valveand/or the knife valve, the user may manually actuate a handle 410 toclose the plate valve and/or the knife valve to at least substantially,and optionally completely, obstruct the liner inlet port to restrict theflow of pressurizing fluid therethrough. Handle 410 may be configured tobe grasped by the user to transition the non-deflation valve between theopen state and the closed state.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also within the scope of thepresent disclosure that non-deflation valve 400 may include and/or be anautomatically actuated non-deflation valve 400. Under these conditions,the automatically actuated non-deflation valve may be configured to beautomatically actuated subsequent to, or responsive to, the pressurizingfluid stream pressurizing the pressure chamber and the tail end of theflexible tube liner passing through the non-deflation valve. As anexample, and when the non-deflation valve includes the flapper valve,the flapper valve may be held open by the presence of the flexible tubeliner extending therethrough and may automatically close subsequent to,or responsive to, the flexible tube liner no longer extendingtherethrough. This automatic closure may be a result of a pressure forcethat is exerted on the non-deflation valve, such as by the pressurizingfluid that pressurizes the pressure chamber. Additionally oralternatively, this automatic closure may be a result of a biasingmechanism, such as a resilient member and/or a spring, that biases theflapper valve closed.

As illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIGS. 5 and7-9, non-deflation valve 400 may include a sliding valve plate 412.Sliding valve plate 412 may be operatively attached to handle 410 suchthat the sliding valve plate is actuated by, or via, the handle totransition the non-deflation valve between the open and closed states.

As further illustrated schematically in FIG. 1 and in more detail inFIGS. 8-9, non-deflation valve 400 and/or sliding valve plate 412thereof also may include and/or define an optional recess 402. Recess402 may be sized to permit a tether 98, which may be attached to tailend 96 of flexible tube liner 90, to extend therethrough while thenon-deflation valve is in closed state 406 (i.e., while thenon-deflation valve restricts flow of the pressurizing fluid stream fromthe pressure chamber via the liner inlet port). Such a configuration maypermit a user to control a rate at which flexible tube liner 90 iseverted by apparatus 90 subsequent to tail end 96 passing through theliner inlet port and/or to withdraw the tail end should there be a needto do so. When no tether is utilized, non-deflation valve 400 optionallymay be configured to close even further, thereby restricting fluid flowthrough recess 402.

Recess 402 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a notch402, tether port 402, and/or tether aperture 402. Tether 98, whenpresent, may be any suitable rope, cord, strap, cable, or plastic-coatedcable.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, non-deflation valve 400 may be locatedbetween lubricator 300 and liner inlet port 210 of pressure chamber 200.However, this configuration is not required.

As further illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines inFIGS. 2-5 and 7, apparatus 100 additionally or alternatively may includeinfeed assembly 500. Infeed assembly 500 may be configured to directflexible tube liner 90 into and/or toward liner inlet port 210.

Infeed assembly 500 may include an infeed roller 510. Infeed roller 510may be configured to decrease a frictional force on flexible tube liner90 during a change in a trajectory of the flexible tube liner, asillustrated in FIG. 1. Infeed roller 510 additionally or alternativelymay be utilized to facilitate the trajectory change without kinkingand/or twisting of the flexible tube liner.

Infeed assembly 500 additionally or alternatively may include a taperedregion 520. Tapered region 520 may be shaped and/or sized to directflexible tube liner 90 toward liner inlet 210 of pressure chamber 200.As an example, tapered region 520 may include a pair of opposed planarsurfaces 522 that are oriented at a skew angle relative to one another.As a more specific example, planar surfaces 522 may be oriented suchthat a distance between the pair of opposed planar surfaces at a sidethat is proximal to liner inlet port 210 is less than a distance betweenthe pair of planar surfaces at a side that is distal the liner inletport, as illustrated.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that infeed assembly500 may include and/or be a pivoting infeed assembly 500 that may beconfigured to operatively rotate and/or pivot relative to pressurechamber 200 about a pivot point 530, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. Underthese conditions, pivoting infeed assembly 500 may be configured tooperatively pivot between a directing configuration and a storageconfiguration. When the pivoting infeed assembly is in the directingconfiguration, the pivoting infeed assembly may be oriented to directthe flexible tube liner toward and/or into liner inlet port 210, andapparatus 100 may define an in-use height. Conversely, when the pivotinginfeed assembly is in the storage configuration, apparatus 100 maydefine a storage height. The storage height may be less than the in-useheight, thereby permitting storage and/or transportation of apparatus100 that include pivoting infeed assemblies 500 in structures and/orvehicles that may not be sized to house and/or contain apparatus 100that do not include the pivoting infeed assembly.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS.2-5, apparatus 100 may include a liner attachment point 600. Linerattachment point 600 may be adapted, configured, designed, sized, and/orconstructed to receive (or have attached thereto) a leading end 94 offlexible tube liner 90, as illustrated in FIG. 1. This may includereceiving the leading end subsequent to flexible tube liner 90 (and/orleading end 94 thereof) extending through liner inlet port 210, inletsealing structure 220, pressure chamber 200, and/or liner outlet port230.

Liner attachment point 600 may include and/or be any suitable structure.As an example, liner attachment point 600 may include and/or be acircular, or at least substantially circular, liner attachment point 600(i.e., may define a circular transverse cross-section). As anotherexample, liner attachment point 600 may define a sealing surface 610.Sealing surface 610 may be adapted, configured, designed, sized, and/orconstructed to form an at least partial fluid seal with flexible tubeliner 90. Additionally or alternatively, sealing surface 610 also may beadapted, configured, designed, sized, and/or constructed to provide asecure attachment point for flexible tube liner 90. As an example,sealing surface 610 may be configured such that flexible tube liner 90remains attached thereto while pressure chamber 200 is pressurized withpressurizing fluid stream 252 of FIG. 1.

As yet another example, and as illustrated in FIG. 1, liner attachmentpoint 600 also may include a clamp 620. Clamp 620 may be configured tooperatively attach, or retain, flexible tube liner 90 on linerattachment point 600 and/or on sealing surface 610 thereof. Examples ofclamp 620 include any suitable circular clamp, hose clamp, ring clamp,spring clamp, t-bolt clamp, ear clamp, constant tension clamp, and/orcollar.

Liner attachment point 600 may include a funnel 630, which may beconfigured to be operatively attached to pressure chamber 200, andpressure chamber 200 may include a flange 258 that may be shaped and/orconfigured to receive the funnel. Under these conditions, apparatus 100may be configured to be utilized selectively with and/or to interfacewith a plurality of different funnels 630, with the different funnels630 being configured to act as a liner attachment point 600 fordifferent flexible tube liners 90 that may have different transversecross-sectional shapes and/or dimensions.

As further illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines inFIGS. 3-5, apparatus 100 additionally or alternatively may include atleast one access port 240. Access port 240 may be configured to permit auser to access internal volume 206 of pressure chamber 200 whileflexible tube liner 90 extends through the pressure chamber, as well aswhen the flexible tube liner does not extend through the pressurechamber. Access ports 240 may include an access port cover 242, asillustrated in FIG. 1, which may be configured to selectively permit theuser to access the internal volume and/or to selectively seal the accessport.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS. 2and 4-5, apparatus 100 additionally or alternatively may include atleast one pressurizing fluid inlet port 250. Pressurizing fluid inletport 250 may be configured to provide pressurizing fluid stream 252 tointernal volume 206 of pressure chamber 200, such as to pressurize thepressure chamber, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 further illustratesthat apparatus 100 may include a pressurizing fluid flow control valve254, which may be configured to regulate a flow rate of the pressurizingfluid stream into the pressure chamber.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines in FIGS. 2-3and 5, apparatus 100 and/or pressure chamber 200 thereof further mayinclude a deflector 256. Deflector 256 may extend within internal volume206 of pressure chamber 200 and may be configured to direct thepressurizing fluid stream downward and/or toward liner outlet port 230.

As further illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines inFIGS. 2 and 4-5, apparatus 100 additionally or alternatively may includeat least one steam inlet port 260. Steam inlet port 260 may beconfigured to provide steam 262 to internal volume 206 of pressurechamber 200, as illustrated in FIG. 1. This may permit the steam to heatflexible tube liner 90 subsequent to the flexible tube liner beingeverted by apparatus 100, thereby curing the flexible tube liner and/orat least substantially fixing a shape of the flexible tube liner.Apparatus 100 also may include a steam flow control valve 264, asillustrated in FIG. 1, which may be configured to regulate a flow rateof the steam into the pressure chamber.

As also illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 1 and in solid lines inFIGS. 2-5, apparatus 100 may include a pressure gauge 660, a pressurerelief valve 670, and/or a tie-down 680. Pressure gauge 660 may beconfigured to measure and/or indicate a pressure within internal volume206 of pressure chamber 200. Pressure relief valve 670 may be configuredto regulate and/or control a maximum pressure within internal volume 206of pressure chamber 200. Tie-down 680 may be configured to permitoperative attachment of apparatus 100 to an anchor, such as to restrictand/or prevent motion of apparatus 100 during operation thereof. Asexamples, tie-down 680 may be configured to receive a rope and/or acable. Additionally or alternatively, tie-down 680 also may beconfigured for attachment of tether 98 thereto, such as to preventtether 98 from being drawn into liner inlet port 210 by flexible tubeliner 90 during operation of apparatus 100. Tie-down 680 additionally oralternatively may be referred to as a tie-down point 680.

Pressure chamber 200 may be at least partially defined by a pressurechamber body 204, and other components of apparatus 100 may be definedby and/or operatively attached to pressure chamber body 204. As anexample, lubricator 300 may be operatively attached to pressure chamberbody 204 and/or may be operatively attached to the pressure chamber bodyvia infeed assembly 500. As another example, non-deflation valve 400 mayextend between infeed assembly 500 and pressure chamber body 204 and/ormay operatively attach infeed assembly 500 to pressure chamber body 204.As yet another example, liner attachment point 600 may be defined byand/or may be operatively attached to pressure chamber body 204.

As additional examples, access port 240, pressurizing fluid inlet port250, and/or steam inlet port 260 may be defined by pressure chamber body204. As still further examples, pressure gauge 660, pressure reliefvalve 670, and/or tie-down 680 may be operatively attached to pressurechamber body 204.

As illustrated, first side 201 of pressure chamber 200 and/or ofpressure chamber body 204 thereof may be opposed to, or at leastsubstantially opposed to, second side 202. As also illustrated, pressurechamber 200 may include and/or be a rectangular, or at leastsubstantially rectangular, pressure chamber 200; however, this is notrequired.

Inlet sealing structure 220 may include and/or be any suitable structurethat may be associated with liner inlet port 210 and/or that may beconfigured to resist fluid flow therepast, from pressure chamber 200,and/or from internal volume 206. An example of inlet sealing structure220 is illustrated in FIG. 7, which is a less schematic cross-sectionalview of a portion of tubing everting apparatus 100, including portionsof lubricator 300, infeed assembly 500, non-deflation valve 400, andinlet sealing structure 220 thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, inlet sealing structure 220 may include aninlet sealing plate 224 that includes and/or defines an elongateaperture 226. Elongate aperture 226, which also may be referred toherein as an aperture 226, may be sized to receive flexible tube liner90 and/or to permit the flexible tube liner to extend therethrough.

Inlet sealing structure 220 further may include sealing lips 222, whichalso may be referred to herein as a pair of sealing projections 222 thatincludes a first sealing projection and a second sealing projection thatis opposed to the first sealing projection. Sealing projections 222 maybe flexible. Sealing projections 222 may extend from inlet sealing plate224 and/or toward the internal volume of the pressure chamber and may beconfigured to form an at least partial fluid seal with and/or againstthe flexible tube liner, such as to restrict fluid flow from theinternal volume via the liner inlet port. Additionally or alternatively,sealing projections 224 may extend toward one another.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 7, at least one of the pair ofsealing projections 222 may include a mounting region 227, a taperedextension region 228, and a bulbous sealing region 229. Mounting region227 may be operatively attached to inlet sealing plate 224. Bulbousregion 229 may be configured to form an at least partial fluid seal withflexible tube liner 90. Tapered extension region 228 may extend between,and operatively attach, mounting region 227 and bulbous sealing region229. Additional examples of sealing lips 222 are disclosed in thereferences that are incorporated by reference herein.

As discussed herein, tubing everting apparatus 100 according to thepresent disclosure may be configured to utilize a tether 98, which maybe operatively attached to tail end 96 of the flexible tube liner. Sucha tether may be abrasive in nature and/or may damage inlet sealingstructure 220 should the tether be permitted to abrade the inlet sealingstructure.

As such, tubing everting apparatus 100 further may include an inletsealing structure protection device 270. Inlet sealing structureprotection device 270 may be configured to prevent abrasion of the inletsealing structure by the tether. In general, and as illustrated in FIG.7, inlet sealing structure protection device 270 may be configured toextend between tether 98 and inlet stealing structure 220 when thetether extends within the inlet sealing structure. Stated another way,inlet sealing structure protection device 270 may be configured tolimit, restrict, and/or block directly physical contact between thetether and the inlet sealing structure.

Inlet sealing structure protection device 270 may include any suitablestructure and/or components. As an example, inlet sealing structureprotection device 270 may include a retention structure 272, which maybe configured to retain at least a portion of the inlet sealingstructure protection device between the tether and the inlet sealingstructure. As another example, inlet sealing structure protection device270 may include an abrasion-resistant material, which may separate thetether from the inlet sealing structure. Examples of theabrasion-resistant material include a fabric, a cloth, a leather, and afelt.

Returning to FIG. 1, apparatus 100 further may include a liner drivemechanism 550. Liner drive mechanism 550, when present, may beconfigured to convey, or to provide a motive force for conveyance of,flexible tube liner 90 through pressure chamber 200, into pressurechamber 200, into liner inlet port 210 of pressure chamber 200, frompressure chamber 200, and/or from liner outlet port 230 of pressurechamber 200. Liner drive mechanism 550 may include any suitablestructure.

As an example, the liner drive mechanism may include one or more rollers560, which may rotate to convey flexible tube liner 90 through pressurechamber 200. As a more specific example, the liner drive mechanism mayinclude a pair of opposed rollers. Examples of rollers 560 includecylindrical rollers and/or wheels that may act on and/or againstflexible tube liner 90 to convey the flexible tube liner through thepressure chamber.

As another example, liner drive mechanism 550 may include one or moredrive motors 570. Drive motor 570 may be operatively linked to rollers560, when present, and may be configured to rotate the rollers. Examplesof drive motor 570 include any suitable electric motor, hydraulic motor,and/or pneumatic motor. When drive motor 570 includes a pneumatic motor,the pneumatic motor may be powered by pressurizing fluid stream 252.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, tubing everting apparatus 100 further mayinclude and/or be utilized in combination with a pressurizing fluidsource 248, such as a compressor, an air compressor, and/or a blower.Pressurizing fluid source 248, when present, may include any suitablestructure that may be adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructedto provide pressurized fluid stream 252 to internal volume 206 of thepressure chamber 200. This may include providing the pressurized fluidstream via a pressurizing fluid conduit 249 that extends between thepressurizing fluid source and the pressure chamber and conveys thepressurizing fluid stream from the pressurizing fluid source to theinternal volume.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the pressurizingfluid source may be configured to provide the pressurizing fluid streamat a flow rate of at least 2 cubic meters per minute, at least 2.5 cubicmeters per minute, at least 3 cubic meters per minute, at least 4 cubicmeters per minute, at least 6 cubic meters per minute, at least 8 cubicmeters per minute, or at least 10 cubic meters per minute. Additionallyor alternatively, the pressurizing fluid source also may be configuredto provide the pressurizing fluid stream at a flow rate of at most 12cubic meters per minute, at most 10 cubic meters per minute, at most 8cubic meters per minute, or at most 6 cubic meters per minute.

The pressurizing fluid source also may be configured to pressurize thepressure chamber to a pressure of at least 30 kilopascals, at least 35kilopascals, at least 40 kilopascals, at least 50 kilopascals, at least60 kilopascals, at least 80 kilopascals, at least 100 kilopascals, or atleast 120 kilopascals. Additionally or alternatively, the pressurizingfluid source may be configured to pressurize the pressure chamber to apressure of at most 175 kilopascals, at most 150 kilopascals, at most125 kilopascals, at most 100 kilopascals, at most 90 kilopascals, atmost 80 kilopascals, at most 70 kilopascals, or at most 60 kilopascals.However, pressures of greater than 175 kilopascals also are within thescope of the present disclosure.

Tubing everting apparatus 100 and/or tubing everting assembly 80 alsomay include additional structures, components, functions, and/orfeatures. Examples of such additional structures, components, functions,and/or features are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,064,211; 4,385,885;4,668,125; 4,685,983; 5,154,936; 5,358,359; 5,597,353; 5,942,183;6,390,795; 6,960,313; 7,476,348; and Re. 35,944, the completedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 10-14 are schematic representations of a cart 150, according tothe present disclosure, while FIG. 15 is a less schematic representationof a tubing everting assembly 80 that includes both tubing evertingapparatus 100 and cart 150, according to the present disclosure. Cart150 may be operatively attached to tubing everting apparatus 100,according to the present disclosure to form tubing everting assembly 80.FIGS. 10-13 illustrate cart 150 in an upright orientation 702, whileFIGS. 14-15 illustrate cart 150 in an angled orientation 704. Cart 150additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a tubing evertingapparatus conveyor 150 and/or as a wheeled transport mechanism 150.

Cart 150 may be adapted, configured, designed, and/or constructed tooperatively support and transport any suitable tubing everting apparatus100, such as tubing everting apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-9. Apparatus 100and cart 150 together may be referred to herein as tubing evertingassembly 80.

Cart 150 includes a cart body 700, which may be operatively attached toapparatus 100. Cart 150 also may include at least one axle 710 andincludes at least two wheels 730. Axle 710 may be operatively attachedto cart body 700, and wheels 730 are rotatingly coupled to cart body700, such as via axle 710.

Cart 150 is configured to be transitioned between at least uprightorientation 702, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-13, and angled orientation704, as illustrated in FIG. 14-15. Cart 150 also includes a base 740,which supports the cart on a ground surface 70, as illustrated in FIGS.10 and 14, when the cart is in the upright orientation. In addition,wheels 730 are located such that, when the cart is in angled orientation704 of FIGS. 14-15, the wheels operatively elevate cart body 700 andbase 740 above the ground surface.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 10 and 14 and in solid lines inFIGS. 11-13 and 15, cart 150 further may include a lubricant reservoir750. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 14, lubricant reservoir 750 may beconfigured to contain a lubricant 312. Lubricant reservoir 750 also maybe configured to pressurize lubricant 312 therein. As such, cart 150and/or lubricant reservoir 750 thereof may include a pressurized airinlet 752 and a pressurized lubricant outlet 754. As illustrated,pressurized lubricant outlet 754 may be configured to provide alubricant stream 310, in the form of a pressurized lubricant stream, toapparatus 100 and/or to a lubricator 300 thereof. Examples of lubricant312 are disclosed herein.

Lubricant reservoir 750, when present, may be configured to house and/orcontain any suitable amount, or volume, of lubricant 312. As examples,lubricant reservoir 750 may be configured to contain at least 5 liters,at least 10 liters, at least 15 liters, at least 20 liters, and/or atleast 25 liters of lubricant 312. Additionally or alternatively,lubricant reservoir 750 may be configured to contain at most 50 liters,at most 40 liters, at most 30 liters, at most 25 liters, and/or at most20 liters of lubricant 312.

Stated another way, lubricant reservoir 750 may be sized to contain avolume of lubricant 312 that is sufficient to lubricate at least athreshold length of flexible tube liner and/or to permit eversion of atleast the threshold length of the flexible tube liner. The thresholdlength of the flexible tube liner may be at least 50 meters, at least100 meters, at least 200 meters, at least 300 meters, and/or at least400 meters. Additionally or alternatively, the threshold length of theflexible tube liner may be at most 600 meters, at most 500 meters, atmost 400 meters, at most 300 meters, at most 200 meters, and/or at most100 meters.

As further illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 10 and 14 and in solidlines in FIGS. 13 and 15, cart 150 also may include a lubricant pressureregulator 756 and/or a lubricant pressure gauge 758. Lubricant pressureregulator 756 may be configured to regulate the pressure of thepressurized lubricant stream that is delivered to lubricator 300 ofapparatus 100 and/or to a component thereof, such as to atomizer 330and/or ejector-jet pump 340 of FIGS. 1-7.

As an example, lubricant pressure regulator 756 may be configured tocontrol a pressure of a pressurized air stream 320 that may be providedto the lubricant reservoir. Lubricant pressure gauge 758 may beconfigured to indicate a pressure of lubricant 312 within the lubricantreservoir and/or a pressure associated with the pressurized lubricantstream. Such a configuration may provide a user with control of a flowrate of lubricant to lubricator 300 of FIGS. 1-7 and 10.

As also illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 10 and 14, cart 150 may beconfigured to receive a source air stream 760 from an air source, suchas an air compressor. In addition, cart 150 may include an air pressureregulator 770, which may be configured to regulate a pressure of thesource air stream and/or to generate pressurized air stream 320 from thesource air stream. Cart 150 also may include an air pressure gauge 772,which may be configured to indicate a pressure of the source air streamand/or a pressure of the pressurized air stream. At least a portion ofthe pressurized air stream may be provided to lubricator 300 and/or toatomizer 330 and/or ejector-jet pump 340 thereof, such as to atomizeand/or entrain lubricant 312.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12-15, cart 150 also may includea support structure 780. Support structure 780 may be configured tosupport the cart when the cart is in angled orientation 704, asillustrated in FIGS. 14-15.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that support structure780 may include and/or be a folding and/or selectively extendablesupport structure that may be configured to be operatively transitionedbetween a supporting configuration 782, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-15,and a stowed configuration 784, as illustrated in FIG. 10. When supportstructure 780 is in the supporting configuration, the support structuremay be located to support cart 150 and/or to retain cart 150 in angledorientation 704. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, this may include supportstructure 780 extending from cart body 700 at a skew angle. Conversely,and when support structure 780 is in the stowed configuration, thesupport structure may not be located to support cart 150, may be atleast partially stowed, and/or may be stowed, collapsed, pivoted, and/orfolded near, against, and/or at least substantially parallel to cartbody 700, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

Examples of support structure 780 include one or more support legs 786.As illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 14 and in solid lines in FIGS.11-13 and 15, support structure 780 further may include a support wheel788. Support wheel 788 may be configured to permit cart 150 to be rolledacross ground surface 70 while the cart is in angled orientation 704, asillustrated in FIG. 14. Support wheel 788 may include any suitablewheel, caster, ball, or other roller.

As illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 10 and 14 and in solid lines inFIGS. 11-13 and 15, cart 150 further may include one or more frontsupports 152. Front supports 152, when present, may be configured tosupport cart 150 and/or to prevent forward tipping of cart 150 when thecart is in upright orientation 702. In addition, front supports 152 maybe configured to transition between a stowed configuration 154, asillustrated in FIGS. 13-15, and a deployed configuration 156, asillustrated in FIGS. 10-13. When in stowed configuration 154, frontsupports 152 may not support cart 150, may not prevent tipping of cart150, and/or may not extend under apparatus 100. Conversely, and when indeployed configuration 156, front supports 152 may support cart 150, maybe positioned to support cart 150, may prevent tipping of cart 150 whencart 150 is in upright orientation 702, and/or may extend at leastpartially under apparatus 100 and/or between apparatus 100 and groundsurface 70, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

As also illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 10 and 14 and in solidlines in FIGS. 11-13 and 15, cart 150 may include a fastening structure790. Fastening structure 790 may be configured to operatively attachapparatus 100 to cart body 700 and/or to restrict separation ofapparatus 100 from cart body 700. Examples of fastening structure 790include any suitable fastener, bolt, nut, washer, pin, and/or pinnedreceiver assembly.

FIG. 15 illustrates that tubing everting assemblies 80 that includetubing everting apparatus 100 and cart 150 further may include one ormore fluid conduits interconnecting the tubing everting apparatus andthe cart. As an example, a lubricant supply conduit 308 may extendbetween lubricant reservoir 750 and lubricator 300 and may be configuredto supply lubricant stream 310 from the lubricant reservoir to thelubricator.

As discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 10 and 14, an air pressureregulator 770 may be configured to regulate a pressure of a source airstream and/or to generate a pressurized air stream, which may beprovided to lubricator 300, such as to atomizer 330 and/or toejector-jet pump 340 thereof. Air pressure gauge 772 may indicate thepressure of the source air stream and/or of the pressurized air stream.As also discussed, a lubricant pressure regulator 756 may be configuredto regulate the pressure of pressurized lubricant stream 310, andlubricant pressure gauge 758 may indicate the pressure of lubricantwithin lubricant reservoir 750 and/or a pressure associated with thepressurized lubricant stream.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting examples of methods 800 of operating atubing everting apparatus 100, according to the present disclosure.Methods 800 include extending a leading end of a flexible tube liner at810, and forming a fluid seal between an inlet sealing structure and theflexible tube liner at 820. Methods 800 further include operativelyattaching the leading end to a liner attachment point at 830, forming afluid seal between the liner attachment point and the leading end at840, and pressurizing a pressure chamber at 850. Methods 800 further mayinclude lubricating the flexible tube liner at 860, everting theflexible tube liner at 870, and/or restricting flow of a pressurizingfluid from the pressure chamber at 880.

Extending the leading end of the flexible tube liner at 810 may includeextending the leading end through a liner inlet port of the pressurechamber of the apparatus. The extending at 810 further may includeextending the leading end through an internal volume that is defined bythe pressure chamber and/or extending the leading end through a lineroutlet port that is defined by the pressure chamber.

Forming the fluid seal between the inlet sealing structure and theflexible tube liner at 820 may include forming an at least partial fluidseal with any suitable inlet sealing structure that may be associatedwith the liner inlet port. This may be accomplished in any suitablemanner. As examples, the forming at 820 may include forming the fluidseal with one or more sealing lips of the inlet sealing structure,forming the fluid seal between the inlet sealing structure and a portionof the flexible tube liner that extends through the inlet sealingstructure, and/or forming the fluid seal between the sealing lips andthe portion of the flexible tube liner. The fluid seal may be configuredto permit relative motion between the flexible tube liner and the inletsealing structure and/or the inlet sealing structure may be configuredto maintain the fluid seal despite motion of the flexible tube linerrelative to the inlet sealing structure.

Operatively attaching the leading end to the liner attachment point at830 may include operatively attaching the leading end to any suitableliner attachment point of the apparatus and may be accomplished in anysuitable manner. As an example, the operatively attaching at 830 mayinclude clamping the leading end to the liner attachment point.

Forming the fluid seal between the liner attachment point and theleading end at 840 may include forming an at least partial fluid seal inany suitable manner. As an example, the forming at 840 may includeresisting fluid flow between the leading end and the liner attachmentpoint. As another example, the forming at 840 may be a result of and/ormay be responsive to the operatively attaching at 830.

Pressurizing the pressure chamber at 850 may include pressurizing thepressure chamber in any suitable manner. As an example, the pressurizingat 850 may include pressurizing with a pressurizing fluid stream, suchas by supplying the pressurizing fluid stream to the pressure chamberand/or to the internal volume of the pressure chamber. As anotherexample, the pressurizing at 850 may include pressurizing to provide amotive force for eversion of the flexible tube liner, such as during theeverting at 870.

Lubricating the flexible tube liner at 860 may include lubricating witha lubricator of the apparatus. As an example, the lubricating at 860 mayinclude lubricating with a lubricant, such as by applying the lubricantto the flexible tube liner. As another example, the lubricating at 860may include atomizing the lubricant in the lubricator with a pressurizedair stream. As yet another example, the lubricating at 860 may includeapplying the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior to the flexibletube liner entering, or being drawn into, the liner inlet port of thepressure chamber.

Everting the flexible tube liner at 870 may include extending theflexible tube liner from the liner outlet port while maintainingoperative attachment between the leading edge of the flexible tube linerand the liner attachment point to evert the flexible tube liner. Thismay include everting and/or extending responsive to and/or as a resultof the pressurizing at 850. The everting at 870 further may includedecreasing a length of the flexible tube liner that extends between theliner inlet port and a tail end of the flexible tube liner and/ordrawing the tail end of the flexible tube liner into and/or through theliner inlet port.

Restricting flow of the pressurizing fluid from the pressure chamber at880 may include restricting in any suitable manner and may be subsequentto the tail end of the flexible tube liner being drawn through the linerinlet port. As an example, the restricting at 880 may includerestricting with a non-deflation valve. As another example, therestricting at 880 may include at least partially closing thenon-deflation valve.

In the present disclosure, several of the illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples have been discussed and/or presented in the context of flowdiagrams, or flow charts, in which the methods are shown and describedas a series of blocks, or steps. Unless specifically set forth in theaccompanying description, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure that the order of the blocks may vary from the illustratedorder in the flow diagram, including with two or more of the blocks (orsteps) occurring in a different order and/or concurrently. It is alsowithin the scope of the present disclosure that the blocks, or steps,may be implemented as logic, which also may be described as implementingthe blocks, or steps, as logics. In some applications, the blocks, orsteps, may represent expressions and/or actions to be performed byfunctionally equivalent circuits or other logic devices. The illustratedblocks may, but are not required to, represent executable instructionsthat cause a computer, processor, and/or other logic device to respond,to perform an action, to change states, to generate an output ordisplay, and/or to make decisions.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and asecond entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity,and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listedwith “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one ormore” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally bepresent other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionallyincluding entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only(optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment,to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entitiesmay refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values,and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of oneor more entities should be understood to mean at least one entityselected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, butnot necessarily including at least one of each and every entityspecifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding anycombinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition alsoallows that entities may optionally be present other than the entitiesspecifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase“at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entitiesspecifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least oneof A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or,equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment,to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no Bpresent (and optionally including entities other than B); in anotherembodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, withno A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yetanother embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one,A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (andoptionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “atleast one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions thatare both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each ofthe expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, orC,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B,and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and Ctogether, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any ofthe above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other referencesare incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a mannerthat is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with,either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any ofthe other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of thepresent disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporateddisclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference inwhich the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was presentoriginally.

As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that theelement, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intendedto perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and“configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element,component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing agiven function but that the element, component, and/or other subjectmatter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized,programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function.It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements,components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as beingadapted to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being configured to perform that function,and vice versa.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,”and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one ormore components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/ormethods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey thatthe described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/ormethod is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components,features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according tothe present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail,structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting,required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features,details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurallyand/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features,details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within thescope of the present disclosure.

Examples of tubing everting apparatus, carts, assemblies, and methodsaccording to the present disclosure are presented in the followingenumerated paragraphs. It is within the scope of the present disclosurethat an individual step of a method recited herein, including in thefollowing enumerated paragraphs, may additionally or alternatively bereferred to as a “step for” performing the recited action.

A1. An apparatus for everting a flexible tube liner, the apparatuscomprising:

-   a pressure chamber that defines an internal volume, wherein the    pressure chamber is configured to be pressurized by a pressurizing    fluid stream to provide a motive force for eversion of the flexible    tube liner;-   a liner inlet port associated with a first side of the pressure    chamber and configured to receive the flexible tube liner into the    internal volume;-   an inlet sealing structure associated with the liner inlet port and    configured to resist fluid flow therepast from the pressure chamber;-   a lubricator, optionally that is operatively attached to the    pressure chamber, configured to apply a lubricant to the flexible    tube liner, optionally to generate a lubricated flexible tube liner,    to decrease a frictional force on the flexible tube liner during    eversion of the flexible tube liner; and-   a liner outlet port associated with a second side of the pressure    chamber and configured to permit the flexible tube liner to extend    from the internal volume.

A2. The apparatus of paragraph A1, wherein the lubricator includes anatomizer configured to atomize the lubricant prior to application of thelubricant to the flexible tube liner.

A3. The apparatus of paragraph A2, wherein the atomizer includes alubricant inlet and a pressurized air inlet, wherein the lubricant inletis configured to receive a lubricant stream, wherein the pressurized airinlet is configured to receive a pressurized air stream, and furtherwherein the atomizer is configured to atomize the lubricant stream withthe pressurized air stream to generate an atomized lubricant stream andto apply the atomized lubricant stream to the flexible tube liner.

A4. The apparatus of paragraph A1, wherein the lubricator includes anejector-jet pump that includes a lubricant inlet and a pressurized airinlet, wherein the lubricant inlet is configured to receive a lubricantstream, wherein the pressurized air inlet is configured to receive apressurized air stream, and further wherein the ejector-jet pump isconfigured to entrain the lubricant in the pressurized air stream togenerate an entrained lubricant stream and to apply the entrainedlubricant stream to the flexible tube liner.

A5. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A4, in combination with alubricant source configured to provide a/the lubricant stream to thelubricator.

A6. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A5, in combination with apressurized air source configured to provide a/the pressurized airstream to the lubricator.

A7. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the lubricatorincludes a plurality of nozzles configured to apply a plurality oflubricant streams to the flexible tube liner.

A8. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the lubricator isconfigured to apply the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior tothe flexible tube liner being received into the pressure chamber via theliner inlet port.

A9. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the lubricator isconfigured to apply the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior tothe flexible tube liner being received into the pressure chamber via theinlet sealing structure.

A10. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein the lubricator isconfigured to apply the lubricant to an external surface of the flexibletube liner prior to eversion of the flexible tube liner.

A11. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the lubricatorincludes a nozzle, and further wherein, during eversion of the flexibletube liner, the nozzle is spaced apart from the flexible tube liner by athreshold spray distance, optionally wherein the threshold spraydistance is at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm,at least 6 cm, at least 8 cm, or at least 10 cm, and further wherein thethreshold spray distance is less than 20 cm, less than 18 cm, less than16 cm, less than 14 cm, less than 12 cm, or less than 10 cm.

A12. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a non-deflation valve that is spaced-apart from theinlet sealing structure and configured to selectively transition betweenan open state, in which the non-deflation valve permits the flexibletube liner to pass through the liner inlet port, and a closed state, inwhich the non-deflation valve restricts flow of the pressurizing fluidstream from the pressure chamber, via the liner inlet port, when thepressure chamber is pressurized by the pressurizing fluid stream and atail end of the flexible tube liner has passed through the liner inletport.

B1. An apparatus for everting a flexible tube liner, the apparatuscomprising:

-   a pressure chamber that defines an internal volume, wherein the    pressure chamber is configured to be pressurized by a pressurizing    fluid stream to provide a motive force for eversion of the flexible    tube liner;-   a liner inlet port associated with a first side of the pressure    chamber and configured to receive the flexible tube liner into the    internal volume;-   an inlet sealing structure associated with the liner inlet port and    configured to resist fluid flow therepast from the pressure chamber;-   a non-deflation valve that is spaced-apart from the inlet sealing    structure and configured to selectively transition between an open    state, in which the non-deflation valve permits the flexible tube    liner to pass through the liner inlet port, and a closed state, in    which the non-deflation valve restricts flow of the pressurizing    fluid stream from the pressure chamber, via the liner inlet port,    when the pressure chamber is pressurized by the pressurizing fluid    stream and a tail end of the flexible tube liner has passed through    the liner inlet port; and-   a liner outlet port associated with a second side of the pressure    chamber and configured to permit the flexible tube liner to extend    from the internal volume.

C1. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-B1, wherein the non-deflationvalve includes at least one of a plate valve, a knife valve, and aflapper valve.

C2. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C1, wherein the non-deflationvalve is a manually actuated non-deflation valve, optionally wherein thenon-deflation valve includes a handle configured to be grasped by a userto transition the non-deflation valve between the open state and theclosed state, and further optionally wherein the non-deflation valveincludes a sliding valve plate, which is actuated via the handle, totransition the non-deflation valve between the open state and the closedstate.

C3. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C2, wherein the non-deflationvalve is an automatically actuated non-deflation valve, optionallywherein the presence of the flexible tube liner, within thenon-deflation valve, maintains the non-deflation valve in the openstate, and further optionally wherein a pressure force, which isgenerated by the pressurizing fluid stream, transitions thenon-deflation valve from the open state to the closed state when theflexible tube liner is not present within the non-deflation valve.

C4. The apparatus of paragraph C3, wherein the automatically actuatednon-deflation valve automatically transitions from the open state to theclosed state responsive to the pressurizing fluid stream pressurizingthe pressure chamber and the tail end of the flexible tube liner passingthrough the automatically actuated non-deflation valve.

C5. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C4, wherein the non-deflationvalve is located between a/the lubricator of the apparatus and the linerinlet port.

C6. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C5, wherein the non-deflationvalve includes a recess sized to permit a tether, which is attached tothe tail end of the flexible tube liner, to extend therethrough whilethe non-deflation valve is in the closed state.

C7. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C6, wherein, when thenon-deflation valve is in the open state, the non-deflation valvedefines a first cross-sectional area for fluid flow therethrough,wherein, when the non-deflation valve is in the closed state, thenon-deflation valve defines a second cross-sectional area for fluid flowtherethrough, and further wherein the first cross-sectional area isgreater than the second cross-sectional area.

C8. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C7, wherein at least aportion of the non-deflation valve is configured to at least one of:

-   (i) pivot when the non-deflation valve transitions between the open    state and the closed state;-   (ii) slide when the non-deflation valve transitions between the open    state and the closed state; and-   (iii) deform when the non-deflation valve transitions between the    open state and the closed state.

C9. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A12-C8, wherein the inlet sealingstructure extends between the liner inlet port and the non-deflationvalve.

C10. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C9, wherein the inlet sealingstructure includes an inlet sealing plate that defines an elongateaperture, which is sized to receive the flexible tube liner.

C11. The apparatus of paragraph C10, wherein the inlet sealing structurefurther includes a pair of sealing projections extending from the inletsealing plate and configured to form an at least partial fluid sealagainst the flexible tube liner to restrict fluid flow from the internalvolume via the liner inlet port.

C12. The apparatus of paragraph C11, wherein each of the pair of sealingprojections includes a first sealing projection and a second sealingprojection that is opposed to the first sealing projection.

C13. The apparatus of paragraph C12, wherein the first sealingprojection and the second sealing projection extend toward one another.

C14. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C11-C13, wherein each of thepair of sealing projections is flexible.

C15. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C11-C14, wherein at least one ofthe pair of sealing projections includes a mounting region, which isoperatively attached to the inlet sealing plate, a bulbous sealingregion, which is configured to form an at least partial fluid seal withthe flexible tube liner, and a tapered extension region, which extendsbetween the mounting region and the bulbous sealing region.

C16. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C11-C15, wherein the pair ofsealing projections extends from the inlet sealing plate and toward theinternal volume of the pressure chamber.

C17. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C16, wherein the apparatusfurther includes an inlet sealing structure protection device configuredto prevent abrasion of the inlet sealing structure by a/the tether,which is attached to a/the tail end of the flexible tube liner, when thetail end of the flexible tube liner has passed through the inlet sealingstructure and the tether extends within the inlet sealing structure.

C18. The apparatus of paragraph C17, wherein the inlet sealing structureprotection device is configured to extend between the tether and theinlet sealing structure when the tether extends within the inlet sealingstructure.

C19. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C17-C18, wherein the inletsealing structure protection device is formed from at least one of afabric, a cloth, a leather, and a felt.

C20. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C17-C19, wherein the inletsealing structure protection device includes a retention structureconfigured to retain at least a portion of the inlet sealing structureprotection device between the tether and the inlet sealing structurewhile the tether passes through the inlet sealing structure.

C21. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C20, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a deflector, wherein the deflector extends within theinternal volume of the pressure chamber and directs the pressurizingfluid stream toward the liner outlet port.

C22. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C21, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a liner attachment point for a leading end of theflexible tube liner.

C23. The apparatus of paragraph C22, wherein the liner attachment pointis configured to receive the flexible tube liner subsequent to theflexible tube liner extending through the liner inlet port, the inletsealing structure, the pressure chamber, and the liner outlet port.

C24. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C22-C23, wherein the linerattachment point includes an at least substantially circular linerattachment point.

C25. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C22-C24, wherein the linerattachment point defines a sealing surface configured to form an atleast partial fluid seal with the flexible tube liner.

C26. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C22-C25, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a clamp configured to operatively attach the flexibletube liner to the liner attachment point.

C27. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C22-C26, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a funnel, wherein the funnel is configured to beoperatively attached to the pressure chamber and defines the linerattachment point. C28. The apparatus of paragraph C27, wherein thepressure chamber includes a flange that is shaped to receive the funnel.

C29. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C28, wherein the apparatusfurther includes an infeed assembly configured to direct the flexibletube liner into the liner inlet port.

C30. The apparatus of paragraph C29, wherein the infeed assemblyincludes an infeed roller.

C31. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C29-C30, wherein the infeedassembly includes a tapered region.

C32. The apparatus of paragraph C31, wherein the tapered region includesa pair of opposed planar surfaces oriented at a skew angle relative toone another such that a distance between the pair of opposed planarsurfaces at a side that is proximal the liner inlet port is less than adistance between the pair of opposed planar surfaces at a side that isdistal the liner inlet port.

C33. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C29-C32, wherein the infeedassembly is a pivoting infeed assembly configured to operatively pivotrelative to the pressure chamber about a pivot point.

C34. The apparatus of paragraph C33, wherein the infeed assembly isconfigured to operatively pivot between a directing configuration, inwhich the infeed assembly is oriented to direct the flexible tube linerinto the liner inlet port and that defines an in-use height of theapparatus, and a storage configuration, which defines a storage heightof the apparatus, wherein the storage height is less than the in-useheight.

C35. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C34, wherein the apparatusfurther includes at least one access port configured to permit useraccess to the internal volume of the pressure chamber while the flexibletube liner extends through the pressure chamber.

C36. The apparatus of paragraph C35, wherein the at least one accessport includes a cover configured to selectively permit a user to accessthe internal volume.

C37. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C36, wherein the apparatusfurther includes at least one pressurizing fluid inlet port configuredto receive the pressurizing fluid stream and to provide the pressurizingfluid stream to the pressure chamber.

C38. The apparatus of paragraph C37, wherein the apparatus furtherincludes at least one pressurizing fluid flow control valve configuredto regulate flow of the pressurizing fluid stream into the pressurechamber.

C39. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C38, wherein the apparatusfurther includes at least one steam inlet port configured to providesteam to the pressure chamber.

C40. The apparatus of paragraph C39, wherein the apparatus furtherincludes at least one steam flow control valve configured to regulate aflow rate of the steam into the pressure chamber.

C41. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C40, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a pressure gauge configured to indicate a pressurewithin the internal volume of the pressure chamber.

C42. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C41, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a pressure relief valve configured to regulate amaximum pressure within the internal volume of the pressure chamber.

C43. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C42, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a tie-down configured to permit operative attachment ofthe apparatus to an anchor.

C44. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C43, wherein the pressurechamber is defined by a pressure chamber body.

C45. The apparatus of paragraph C44, wherein a/the lubricator isoperatively attached to the pressure chamber body, optionally via a/theinfeed assembly.

C46. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C45-C46, wherein a/thenon-deflation valve extends between a/the infeed assembly and thepressure chamber body.

C47. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C46, wherein a/the linerattachment point is defined by the pressure chamber body.

C48. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C47, wherein a/the linerattachment point is operatively attached to the pressure chamber body.

C49. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C48, wherein a/the accessport is defined by the pressure chamber body.

C50. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C49, wherein a/thepressurizing fluid inlet port is defined by the pressure chamber body.

C51. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C50, wherein a/the steaminlet port is defined by the pressure chamber body.

C52. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C51, wherein a/the pressuregauge is operatively attached to the pressure chamber body.

C53. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C52, wherein a/the pressurerelief valve is operatively attached to the pressure chamber body.

C54. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C44-C53, wherein a/the tie-downis operatively attached, and optionally permanently attached, to thepressure chamber body.

C55. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C54, wherein the first sideof the pressure chamber is opposed to the second side of the pressurechamber.

C56. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C55, wherein the pressurechamber is a rectangular pressure chamber.

C57. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C56, wherein the apparatusincludes the flexible tube liner.

C58. The apparatus of paragraph C57, wherein the flexible tube liner issized to line a tube with an inside diameter of at least one of:

-   (i) at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 25 cm,    at least 30 cm, at least 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 50 cm, or    at least 60 cm; and-   (ii) at most 100 cm, at most 90 cm, at most 80 cm, at most 70 cm, at    most 60 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 40 cm, or at most 30 cm.

C59. The apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C58, wherein the apparatusfurther includes a pressurizing fluid source configured to provide thepressurizing fluid stream to the internal volume of the pressurechamber.

C60. The apparatus of paragraph C59, wherein the apparatus furtherincludes a pressurizing fluid conduit that extends between thepressurizing fluid source and the pressure chamber and conveys thepressurizing fluid stream between the pressurizing fluid source and theinternal volume.

C61. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C59-C60, wherein thepressurizing fluid source is configured to provide the pressurizingfluid stream at a flow rate of at least one of:

-   (i) at least 2 cubic meters per minute, at least 2.5 cubic meters    per minute, at least 3 cubic meters per minute, at least 4 cubic    meters per minute, at least 6 cubic meters per minute, at least 8    cubic meters per minute, or at least 10 cubic meters per minute; and-   (ii) at most 12 cubic meters per minute, at most 10 cubic meters per    minute, at most 8 cubic meters per minute, or at most 6 cubic meters    per minute.

C62. The apparatus of any of paragraphs C59-C61, wherein thepressurizing fluid source is configured to pressurize the pressurechamber, with the pressurizing fluid stream, to a pressure of at leastone of:

-   (i) at least 30 kilopascals, at least 35 kilopascals, at least 40    kilopascals, at least 50 kilopascals, at least 60 kilopascals, at    least 80 kilopascals, at least 100 kilopascals, or at least 120    kilopascals; and-   (ii) at most 175 kilopascals, at most 150 kilopascals, at most 125    kilopascals, at most 100 kilopascals, at most 90 kilopascals, at    most 80 kilopascals, at most 70 kilopascals, or at most 60    kilopascals.

D1. A cart for an apparatus for everting a flexible tube liner, the cartcomprising:

-   a cart body configured to be operatively attached to the apparatus;-   optionally at least one axle operatively attached to the cart body;-   at least two wheels rotatingly coupled to the cart body, wherein the    cart is configured to be transitioned between at least an upright    orientation and an angled orientation; and-   a base configured to support the cart on a ground surface when the    cart is in the upright orientation, wherein the at least two wheels    are located such that, when the cart is in the angled orientation,    the wheels operatively elevate the cart body and the base above the    ground surface.

D2. The cart of paragraph D1, wherein the cart further includes alubricant reservoir configured to contain a lubricant.

D3. The cart of paragraph D2, wherein the lubricant reservoir includes apressurized air inlet and a pressurized lubricant outlet, wherein thepressurized air inlet is configured to receive a pressurized air streamto pressurize the lubricant, and further wherein the pressurizedlubricant outlet is configured to provide a pressurized lubricant streamto the apparatus.

D4. The cart of paragraph D3, wherein the cart further includes alubricant pressure regulator configured to regulate a pressure of thepressurized lubricant stream, optionally by regulating a pressure of thepressurized air stream that is provided to the lubricant reservoir.

D5. The cart of any of paragraphs D2-D4, wherein the cart furtherincludes a lubricant pressure gauge configured to indicate at least oneof a pressure within the lubricant reservoir and a pressure associatedwith the pressurized lubricant stream.

D6. The cart of any of paragraphs D2-D5, wherein the lubricant reservoirhas a volume of at least one of:

-   (i) at least 5 liters, at least 10 liters, at least 15 liters, at    least 20 liters, or at least 25 liters; and-   (ii) at most 50 liters, at most 40 liters, at most 30 liters, at    most 25 liters, or at most 20 liters.

D7. The cart of any of paragraphs D2-D6, wherein the lubricant reservoiris sized to contain a volume of lubricant sufficient to permit eversionof at least a threshold length of the flexible tube liner.

D8. The cart of paragraph D7, wherein the threshold length of theflexible tube liner is at least one of:

-   (i) at least 50 meters, at least 100 meters, at least 200 meters, at    least 300 meters, or at least 400 meters; and-   (ii) at most 600 meters, at most 500 meters, at most 400 meters, at    most 300 meters, at most 200 meters, or at most 100 meters.

D9. The cart of any of paragraphs D2-D8, wherein the cart includes thelubricant, and optionally wherein the lubricant includes at least one ofan oil, a mineral oil, a vegetable oil, a peanut oil, a surfactant, anaqueous surfactant solution, soap, and soapy water.

D10. The cart of any of paragraphs D1-D9, wherein the cart is configuredto receive a source air stream from an air source.

D11. The cart of paragraph D10, wherein the cart further includes an airpressure regulator configured to regulate a pressure of the source airstream to generate a/the pressurized air stream.

D12. The cart of any of paragraphs D10-D11, wherein the cart furtherincludes an air pressure gauge configured to indicate at least one ofa/the pressure of the source air stream and a pressure of a/thepressurized air stream.

D13. The cart of any of paragraphs D10-D12, wherein the cart further isconfigured to provide at least a portion of the source air stream to alubricator of the apparatus as a/the pressurized air stream.

D14. The cart of any of paragraphs D1-D13, wherein the cart furtherincludes a support structure configured to support the cart when thecart is in the angled orientation.

D15. The cart of paragraph D14, wherein the support structure is afolding support structure configured to be operatively transitionedbetween a supporting configuration, wherein the support structure islocated to operatively support the cart when the cart is in the angledorientation, and a stowed configuration, wherein the support structureis at least partially stowed.

D16. The cart of any of paragraphs D14-D15, wherein the supportstructure extends from the cart body at a skew angle when a/the foldingsupport structure is in a/the supporting configuration.

D17. The cart of any of paragraphs D14-D16, wherein the supportstructure includes a support leg.

D18. The cart of any of paragraphs D14-D17, wherein the supportstructure further includes at least one support wheel configured topermit the cart to be rolled across the ground surface while the cart isin the angled orientation.

D19. The cart of any of paragraphs D1-D18, wherein the cart furtherincludes a fastening structure configured to operatively attach the cartbody to the apparatus.

D20. A tubing everting assembly, comprising:

-   the apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C62; and-   the cart of any of paragraphs D1-D19, wherein the apparatus is    operatively attached to the cart, and further wherein the cart is    configured to provide a/the pressurized lubricant stream and a/the    pressurized air stream to a/the lubricator of the apparatus.

E1. A method of operating an apparatus for everting a flexible tubeliner, the method comprising:

-   extending a leading end of the flexible tube liner through a liner    inlet port of a pressure chamber of the apparatus, through an    internal volume defined by the pressure chamber, and through a liner    outlet port defined by the pressure chamber;-   forming an at least partial fluid seal between an inlet sealing    structure that is associated with the liner inlet port of the    pressure chamber and a portion of the flexible tube liner that    extends therethrough;-   operatively attaching the leading end of the flexible tube liner to    a liner attachment point of the apparatus;-   forming an at least partial fluid seal between the leading end of    the flexible tube liner and the liner attachment point; and-   pressurizing the pressure chamber with a pressurizing fluid stream    to provide a motive force for eversion of the flexible tube liner.

E2. The method of paragraph E1, wherein the method further includeslubricating the flexible tube liner with a lubricator of the apparatus.

E3. The method of paragraph E2, wherein the lubricating includeslubricating with a lubricant.

E4. The method of paragraph E3, wherein the lubricating includesatomizing the lubricant in the lubricator with a pressurized air stream.

E5. The method of any of paragraphs E3-E4, wherein the lubricatingincludes applying the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior to theflexible tube liner entering the liner inlet port.

E6. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E5, wherein the method furtherincludes everting the flexible tube liner by extending the flexible tubeliner from the liner outlet port.

E7. The method of paragraph E6, wherein the everting includes drawing atail end of the flexible tube liner through the liner inlet port.

E8. The method of paragraph E7, wherein, subsequent to the drawing, themethod further includes restricting flow of the pressurizing fluidstream from the pressure chamber and via the liner inlet port with anon-deflation valve.

E9. The method of paragraph E8, wherein the restricting includes atleast partially closing the non-deflation valve.

E10. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E9, wherein the method furtherincludes supporting the apparatus with the cart of any of paragraphsD1-D 19.

E11. The method of any of paragraphs E1-E10, wherein the apparatusincludes the apparatus of any of paragraphs A1-C62.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The apparatus, assemblies, and methods disclosed herein are applicableto the tubular lining, tubing everting, and/or plumbing industries.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multipledistinct inventions with independent utility. While each of theseinventions has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specificembodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to beconsidered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. Thesubject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obviouscombinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features,functions and/or properties disclosed herein. Similarly, where theclaims recite “a” or “a first” element or the equivalent thereof, suchclaims should be understood to include incorporation of one or more suchelements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

It is believed that the following claims particularly point out certaincombinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of thedisclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodiedin other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions,elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of thepresent claims or presentation of new claims in this or a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to adifferent invention or directed to the same invention, whetherdifferent, broader, narrower, or equal in scope to the original claims,are also regarded as included within the subject matter of theinventions of the present disclosure.

1. An apparatus for everting a flexible tube liner, the apparatuscomprising: a pressure chamber that defines an internal volume, whereinthe pressure chamber is configured to be pressurized by a pressurizingfluid stream to provide a motive force for eversion of the flexible tubeliner; a liner inlet port associated with a first side of the pressurechamber and configured to receive the flexible tube liner into theinternal volume; an inlet sealing structure associated with the linerinlet port and configured to resist fluid flow therepast from thepressure chamber; a lubricator that is operatively attached to thepressure chamber and configured to apply a lubricant to the flexibletube liner to decrease a frictional force on the flexible tube linerduring eversion of the flexible tube liner; and a liner outlet portassociated with a second side of the pressure chamber and configured topermit the flexible tube liner to extend from the internal volume. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lubricator includes an atomizerconfigured to atomize the lubricant prior to application of thelubricant to the flexible tube liner.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the atomizer includes a lubricant inlet and a pressurized airinlet, wherein the lubricant inlet is configured to receive a lubricantstream, wherein the pressurized air inlet is configured to receive apressurized air stream, and further wherein the atomizer is configuredto atomize the lubricant stream with the pressurized air stream togenerate an atomized lubricant stream and to apply the atomizedlubricant stream to the flexible tube liner.
 4. The apparatus of claim3, in combination with a lubricant source configured to provide thelubricant stream to the lubricator.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, incombination with a pressurized air source configured to provide thepressurized air stream to the lubricator.
 6. The apparatus of clam 1,wherein the lubricator includes an ejector-jet pump that includes alubricant inlet and a pressurized air inlet, wherein the lubricant inletis configured to receive a lubricant stream, wherein the pressurized airinlet is configured to receive a pressurized air stream, and furtherwherein the ejector-jet pump is configured to entrain the lubricant inthe pressurized air stream to generate an entrained lubricant stream andto apply the entrained lubricant stream to the flexible tube liner. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lubricator includes a plurality ofnozzles configured to apply a plurality of lubricant streams to theflexible tube liner.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lubricatoris configured to apply the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior tothe flexible tube liner being received into the pressure chamber via theliner inlet port.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lubricator isconfigured to apply the lubricant to the flexible tube liner prior tothe flexible tube liner being received into the pressure chamber via theinlet sealing structure.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thelubricator is configured to apply the lubricant to an external surfaceof the flexible tube liner prior to eversion of the flexible tube liner.11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further includes anon-deflation valve that is spaced-apart from the inlet sealingstructure and configured to selectively transition between an openstate, in which the non-deflation valve permits the flexible tube linerto pass through the liner inlet port, and a closed state, in which thenon-deflation valve restricts flow of the pressurizing fluid stream fromthe pressure chamber, via the liner inlet port, when the pressurechamber is pressurized by the pressurizing fluid stream and a tail endof the flexible tube liner has passed through the liner inlet port. 12.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further includes aninlet sealing structure protection device configured to prevent abrasionof the inlet sealing structure by a tether, which is attached to a tailend of the flexible tube liner, when the tail end of the flexible tubeliner has passed through the inlet sealing structure and the tetherextends within the inlet sealing structure.
 13. The apparatus of claim12, wherein the inlet sealing structure protection device is configuredto extend between the tether and the inlet sealing structure when thetether extends within the inlet sealing structure.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the apparatus further includes a liner attachment pointfor a leading end of the flexible tube liner.
 15. A tubing evertingassembly, comprising: the apparatus of claim 1; and a cart, wherein theapparatus is operatively attached to the cart, wherein the cart isconfigured to provide a pressurized lubricant stream and a pressurizedair stream to the lubricator of the apparatus, the cart comprising: (i)a cart body configured to be operatively attached to the apparatus; (ii)at least two wheels rotatingly coupled to the cart body, wherein thecart is configured to be transitioned between at least an uprightorientation and an angled orientation; (iii) a base configured tosupport the cart on a ground surface when the cart is in the uprightorientation, wherein the at least two wheels are located such that, whenthe cart is in the angled orientation, the wheels operatively elevatethe cart body and the base above the ground surface; and (iv) alubricant reservoir configured to contain a lubricant that comprises thepressurized lubricant stream.
 16. An apparatus for everting a flexibletube liner, the apparatus comprising: a pressure chamber that defines aninternal volume, wherein the pressure chamber is configured to bepressurized by a pressurizing fluid stream to provide a motive force foreversion of the flexible tube liner; a liner inlet port associated witha first side of the pressure chamber and configured to receive theflexible tube liner into the internal volume; an inlet sealing structureassociated with the liner inlet port and configured to resist fluid flowtherepast from the pressure chamber; a non-deflation valve that isspaced-apart from the inlet sealing structure and configured toselectively transition between an open state, in which the non-deflationvalve permits the flexible tube liner to pass through the liner inletport, and a closed state, in which the non-deflation valve restrictsflow of the pressurizing fluid stream from the pressure chamber, via theliner inlet port, when the pressure chamber is pressurized by thepressurizing fluid stream and a tail end of the flexible tube liner haspassed through the liner inlet port; and a liner outlet port associatedwith a second side of the pressure chamber and configured to permit theflexible tube liner to extend from the internal volume.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the non-deflation valve includes at leastone of a plate valve, a knife valve, and a flapper valve.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the non-deflation valve is a manuallyactuated non-deflation valve that includes a handle configured to begrasped by a user to transition the non-deflation valve between the openstate and the closed state.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein thenon-deflation valve includes a recess sized to permit a tether, which isattached to the tail end of the flexible tube liner, to extendtherethrough while the non-deflation valve is in the closed state. 20.The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of thenon-deflation valve is configured to at least one of: (i) pivot when thenon-deflation valve transitions between the open state and the closedstate; (ii) slide when the non-deflation valve transitions between theopen state and the closed state; and (iii) deform when the non-deflationvalve transitions between the open state and the closed state.
 21. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the apparatus further includes an inletsealing structure protection device configured to prevent abrasion ofthe inlet sealing structure by a tether, which is attached to the tailend of the flexible tube liner, when the tail end of the flexible tubeliner has passed through the inlet sealing structure and the tetherextends within the inlet sealing structure.
 22. The apparatus of claim21, wherein the inlet sealing structure protection device is configuredto extend between the tether and the inlet sealing structure when thetether extends within the inlet sealing structure.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the apparatus further includes a liner attachmentpoint for a leading end of the flexible tube liner.
 24. A method ofoperating an apparatus for everting a flexible tube liner, the methodcomprising: extending a leading end of the flexible tube liner through aliner inlet port of a pressure chamber of the apparatus, through aninternal volume defined by the pressure chamber, and through a lineroutlet port defined by the pressure chamber; forming an at least partialfluid seal between an inlet sealing structure that is associated withthe liner inlet port of the pressure chamber and a portion of theflexible tube liner that extends therethrough; operatively attaching theleading end of the flexible tube liner to a liner attachment point ofthe apparatus; forming an at least partial fluid seal between theleading end of the flexible tube liner and the liner attachment point;lubricating the flexible tube liner with a lubricator of the apparatus;and pressurizing the pressure chamber with a pressurizing fluid streamto provide a motive force for eversion of the flexible tube liner.